High-resolution optical coherence tomography in pigmented choroidal lesions.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Retinal Diseases

Background:

• Pigmented choroidal lesions require advanced imaging for accurate diagnosis.
• Standard spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) has limitations in visualizing fine choroidal structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography (HR-OCT) against standard spectral domain OCT for imaging pigmented choroidal lesions.
• To compare the visualization of choroidal structures and choriocapillaris between HR-OCT and standard OCT.

Main Methods:

• A total of 40 subjects with pigmented choroidal lesions were screened.
• Lesions were imaged using HR-OCT and standard OCT, with and without enhanced depth imaging (EDI) mode.
• Images were assessed for qualitative and quantitative features, including choriocapillaris compression and width.

Main Results:

• HR-OCT EDI mode showed better visualization of the posterior choroidal extent in 34.4% of lesions compared to other modes (13.3%-18.8%).
• Choriocapillaris compression was observed in 10 cases and was equally visible across all imaging modes.
• Image quality significantly declined in the periphery for three out of four imaging modes.

Conclusions:

• HR-OCT demonstrates potential for enhanced visualization of retinal and choroidal structures in pigmented choroidal lesions.
• Peripheral imaging quality is a limitation for HR-OCT in these lesions.
• Prototype HR-OCT provides novel insights into clinical features, supporting the development of advanced OCT devices.